Dover Sherborn Middle School Curriculum Road Maps

 

Course Title:                 Algebra 1                                                         Grade:              8         

 

Unit:                 Factoring Polynomials                                                              

Month Presented:                     April-May                                            Unit Length(weeks):      3.5      

 

 

Essential Question (s):

   Do I know how to check my factors?

   Why is factoring a useful algebraic technique?

   Can I re-organize the given information in a problem in order to solve it?  (draw a diagram, organize

a chart, list the “knowns” and “unknowns”, define a variable or write a “let”statement)

   What are some of the differences between a real-life solution and an algebraic solution?

 

Learning Objectives:

   Be able to factor integers and polynomials

   Be able to use factoring to solve quadratic equations

   Be able to use factoring to solve quadratic word problems

 

Skills:

   Greatest common factor

   Properties of exponents (dividing same bases)

   Equation transformations

   Word problem translation

   Factor difference of perfect squares

   Factor perfect square trinomials

   Factor general trinomials

   Zero product property

 

Instructional Strategies & Activities:

   Note taking

   Group work/cooperative learning

   Reflection and Self-Assessment

   Solution Sharing

   Independent Practice

   Competitive Review Games

Materials Utilized:

   Textbook

   Teacher generated worksheets

   Calculators (basic, scientific and graphing)

   Games (review, competitive practice, strategy games, logic etc)

Assessment Strategies:

   Discussion

   Daily class performance

   Openers/warm-ups

   Portfolios

   Tests and quizzes

   Enrichment Problems (optional Challenges problems on HW, Bonus Questions on tests, 3 level of tests

                                                  from which the students may choose)

   Daily homework/Error analysis